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And I will live this day with my eyes open. Why should I spoil the day by complaining, blaming, or being sad?
Each evening, he tried to cultivate the habit to ask himself, “Did I waste my day or did I use my time well?” He reviewed the events and feelings of the day and began to grow more and more aware of his part in shaping his own life.
The school's program had another good effect on young Rup. He started to feel compassion for those with less benefits than he had. It brought out Rup's natural optimism. It helped him rise above his own small desires and feel the pain of all who suffered from being handicapped, poverty-stricken, or helpless. He was inspired to lend a helping hand. Through the years, this seed of compassion was ever moist, ready to sprout into the fruit of action.
Without being consciously aware of cultivating this virtue, Rup became ready to give, spontaneously, without thought of praise or reward, whenever he noticed someone's need. It was his nature.
Such an occasion presented itself when Rup found that one of his teachers was brooding about something. Ordinarily this man was in a cheerful frame of mind, but today was different.
Rup spoke to him after class, “Sir, may I ask, is there something wrong? You seem so downcast today."
“Not really, Rup, not really,” he answered, not wanting to burden his student with his own personal problems. "Please tell me. Perhaps I can help you,” Rup offered.
"Well, it is a small matter, but it is troubling me after all,” his teacher confided. “You see, my daughter is about to be married, but I do not have enough money to arrange for her trousseau.”
In India, in some castes, it is customary before a wedding for the bride's family to provide the trousseau.
Rup told his teacher, “No need to worry. I have a good idea. I think I can help you. I'll be back in about an hour with the good news.”
Without telling his teacher his idea, Rup ran home. He
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